Collinstown flying high on all fronts
THE FUTURE is looking very bright for Collinstown FC both on and off the pitch.
After receiving confirmation, on Friday, June 8, that they are set to receive the full €30,000 from the South Dublin County Council as part of the funding for their club’s proposed new clubhouse, pitch and parking facilities, Collinstown saw their Sunday side capture the Nugent Cup following a 3-1 victory over Ayrfield in Westmanstown later that same day.
Collinstown celebrate beating Ayfield United in the LSL Nugent Cup Final in Westmanstown
The team, which has already secured promotion to the intermediate ranks of the Leinster Senior League for the very first time, took the lead 18 minutes into the Nugent Cup decider when Ian McNeill broke down the right and crossed for Ger Shortt to flick home.
They could have added to that before the first half was out as Dean Carpenter whipped in dangerous balls across the face of goal on three occasions, but no one was there to take advantage.
Indeed they were pegged back just before the break when Ayrfield hit the top corner by way of a well-executed free kick.
And had not goalkeeper Declan Woods pulled off a tremendous double save, the Clondalkin side could well have been playing catch-up in the second period.
While Ayrfield did enjoy the bulk of possession after the recess, it was Collinstown who carved out the clearer openings.
That said, Woods was called upon to back a couple of fine stops to help maintain parity.
It was not until the closing minute of regulation time that Collinstown edged back in front when a corner towards the far post by Carpenter was headed back by Luke Fitzpatrick to Shortt who tucked the ball away for his and his side’s second.
Knockout blow
Ayrfield threw the kitchen sink at their opponents in injury time, but were dealt a knockout blow on the counter which saw Graham Doyle square the ball for Daniel Matthews to steer home.
Looking forward to seeing his side compete in the Senior 1B ranks next season, Collinstown manager Kevin Carroll said “in such a short time we’ve taken such a big step.
“We’ve got a lot of young players in the team and hopefully we’ll add a few players to them and have a real go at intermediate level,” he told The Echo.
Meanwhile, Collinstown’s Saturday side will also make the step up after storming to the Major 1C title without losing a solitary game in their campaign.
Indeed dropping just four points after 16 matches, the team finished 14 points clear of their closest rivals St Kevin’s Boys and can now look forward to a place in the Major 1B ranks.
TAGS Sport
